One of the best things about my career outside of clinical dentistry is the friendships I've made along the way. Often those friendships open doors to meeting even more great people and this is one of those moments. At the Dental VIP Summit this past February one of my longterm dental friends introduced me to Dr. Namrata Upadhyay.
She's the guest on the most recent episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast.
In the world of healthcare, transitions are common but not always straightforward. Heck, I started out taking computers apart in my spare time just to figure out how they worked and that desire to tinker completely changed my trajectory. Have you ever wondered how a dentist could successfully pivot to a thriving career in the MedTech industry? And how about if that person could help you to do the same thing? In this post, I’ll share the remarkable journey of Dr. Namrata, who navigated various global landscapes and professional challenges to become a leader in medical/dental technology. You'll learn how her diverse background shaped her approach to clinical studies, product development, and how she can help do the same for you.
About Dr. Namrata
Dr. Namrata is a dental professional turned MedTech expert who has lived across multiple countries, providing her with a global perspective on healthcare. With a background in general dentistry and specialization in endodontics, she transitioned into roles that bridge the gap between clinical practice and regulatory requirements in the medical device industry. Her unique journey is not only inspiring but also illuminates the complexities faced by healthcare professionals in today’s evolving landscape.
Perspectives... A Unique Beginning: Growing Up as a Global Citizen
Dr. Namrata's story began as the daughter of a diplomat, moving from country to country. This upbringing allowed her to experience various educational systems, including American and British curriculums, while still holding onto her Indian roots.
The exposure to different cultures and education systems helped her develop a global mindset, making her adaptable and open to new ideas. Dentistry can be a pretty change resistant profession, but she learned to embrace change and that made a huge difference in her career path.
As an example, influential teachers from her early years in Chicago instilled in her the importance of reading and forming connections. Those diverse backgrounds ultimately shaped her decision to pursue a career in dentistry, as she sought a stable environment after years of constant movement.
Navigating the Challenges of a Global Career
After completing her dental education in India, Dr. Namrata faced the challenge of transitioning into the European healthcare system. She boldly moved to Slovenia, navigating the process of getting her credentials recognized while working in various clinical settings. That's key because each location presented unique patient behaviors and expectations—urban patients were tech-savvy and informed, while rural patients offered her opportunities to encounter rare cases.
One memorable case involved performing a complex root canal on a lower molar with eight canals, showcasing her dedication and skill early in her career. You read that right. Eight canals on a lower human molar.
Despite her successes (when was the last time you did endo on a molar with eight canals?), the transition to Switzerland brought new hurdles, including the need to start her qualifications again from scratch. This experience taught her resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Finding Her Footing in MedTech
After years of clinical work, Dr. Namrata faced a crossroads when she moved to Switzerland and needed to redefine her professional identity. Frustrated with the traditional job application process, she took a proactive approach by networking at conferences and branding herself as a "MedTech enthusiast."
Building a New Path
Her journey through the MedTech industry included specializing in regulatory processes, clinical research, and marketing for medical devices. The EU has an organization similar to the FDA called EMA (European Medicines Agency). Working alongside experts in the field provided her with invaluable insights into how to align clinical practices with regulatory standards, ultimately benefiting companies and patients alike.
Here in the US, we have doctors who are experts in dealing with the FDA. She became a similar expert in Europe by having an incredible work ethic and learning what to do from the ground up. Dealing with regulatory agencies takes a specific skillset and I'm impressed with the fact the she developed that skillset more or less on her own.
The Birth of a New Venture: FreeDen
After gaining extensive experience in the MedTech space, Dr. Namrata identified a significant gap in the industry: the difficulty companies faced in accessing a broad range of clinical insights from doctors "in the trenches". This led to the creation of her company, which aims to connect healthcare companies with a diverse pool of clinicians and experts to enhance product development.
Learning through her own journey, she recognized the struggles of clinicians transitioning into MedTech and other consulting roles. There are lots of dentists who want to work on products and techniques to give patients better outcomes and quality of life, but they don't know how to get started. That's where FreedDen comes in. FreeDen allows both companies and doctors to create an online profile that describes who they are and what they are seeking. This gives both parties a chance to understand each other better and provide ideal 'fits' for working together.
However, it doesn't just serve as an online matching platform. FreeDen is also dedicated to providing training and support to help others navigate similar career shifts. Doctors looking to expand their careers by working with companies can do online study through FreeDen to help them expand their knowledge and their skillsets.
When I met her in Chicago, I knew after five minutes into our conversation that I had to have her on the podcast. In my career I've had a lot of doctors ask me, "How can I do what you do?" I've also had companies contact me and ask, "Do you know of a doctor who knows about...?" When Dr. Namrata told me about FreeDen, I thought it was a great idea and I wanted to help her get the word out about it.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Embrace Diversity: Dr. Namrata's journey exemplifies the importance of diverse experiences in shaping one’s professional path.
- Adaptability is Key: Navigating multiple healthcare systems requires flexibility and a willingness to learn from each experience.
- Proactive Networking: Building relationships and leveraging personal branding can open doors in unexpected ways.
- Identify Gaps: Recognizing unmet needs in the market can lead to innovative solutions and new business opportunities.
As you reflect on your career journey, consider how your unique experiences can shape your professional identity and open new doors. If you are a doctor who is interested in expanding your career by working with companies, be sure to check out FreeDen. I love my 'other job' and it may be something you would enjoy as well. You can find all of the podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or by following this link to the YouTube channel.
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